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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: Mozman68 on May 05, 2006, 07:34:25 AM

Title: OEM Side Steps
Post by: Mozman68 on May 05, 2006, 07:34:25 AM: Well.....purchased some brand new side steps off a local forum for $80 and was all proud of myself until I realized that my Jeep (2000 TJ) did not originally come with the side steps and Jeep was too cheap to install the appropriate rivet nuts in the frame to accept the side step bolts.

The holes are there for the rivet nuts....does anyone know the details on these?? size? Anything else I can use in that hole that will accept a bolt that will hold the steps in place besides a rivet nut? Anything that can hammered in??

Don't want to go to the stealership on this one.
Title: ebay
Post by: Mozman68 on May 05, 2006, 10:39:21 AM: ahhhh.....ebay.....bidding on the inserts now. Thanks. Me too stupid...always check ebay first.
Title: OEM Side Steps
Post by: littleredbeater on May 05, 2006, 10:53:08 AM: i bet you could find them on e-bay :?
Title: OEM Side Steps
Post by: Jeffy on May 05, 2006, 12:12:59 PM: Yup, they're called Nutserts. They should collapse when you tighten the bolt and lock themselves into the holes in the frame.
Title: here they are
Post by: Mozman68 on May 05, 2006, 02:27:07 PM: Here's a picture...same thing you are talking about Jeffy??

(http://i16.ebayimg.com/03/i/00/9b/2b/b3_1.JPG)
Title: OEM Side Steps
Post by: Jeffy on May 05, 2006, 04:38:32 PM: Looks about right. I haven't seen the OEM ones but nutserts are all about the same. When you tighten them down, they wedge themselves in tight. Once in they should stay. Then you can remove the step when you're out wheeling.
Title: OEM Side Steps
Post by: lanulos89 on May 05, 2006, 06:12:57 PM: you could prob goto home depot and just get some self tapping bolts. I got a set of tube smurf bars for 50 bucks, and that is at least what i plan on doing (eventually).
Title: OEM Side Steps
Post by: Jeffy on May 05, 2006, 08:13:33 PM: I hate Home Depot for bolts. What's up with no graded bolts anymore? The problem here is he's got a TJ and is using TJ steps. The holes are already there in the frame so nutserts are the only choice.

I have Grade 5's for the nerfs on my Jeep and the others I've installed. You still have to tap the frame a bit for the bolt to start. Frames are pretty tough. I'm planning on removing my nerfs for rocker guards eventually though.
Title: OEM Side Steps
Post by: Mozman68 on May 05, 2006, 08:52:10 PM: Quote from: "Jeffy"
I hate Home Depot for bolts. What's up with no graded bolts anymore? The problem here is he's got a TJ and is using TJ steps. The holes are already there in the frame so nutserts are the only choice.

I have Grade 5's for the nerfs on my Jeep and the others I've installed. You still have to tap the frame a bit for the bolt to start. Frames are pretty tough. I'm planning on removing my nerfs for rocker guards eventually though.

yeah..me too...but right now it is more important for the wife and kids to be able to get in and out without it being such a pain.
Title: oem steps
Post by: hozer on May 06, 2006, 02:07:53 AM: I just installed a set of steps on my 97, I got the "frame inserts" off e-bay. I believe you will need 14 of the inserts for your 2000. I paid like $ 16.00 for them with s/h. They are easy to install. The directions that come with them will drive ya nuts. All i did was tap the inserts into the frame holes with a small ballpeen hammer. Then i put the brackets up and put some anti sieze on the bolts and start them. I then hit the bolts with an impact to get the inserts to expand a little bit then cranked them down with a ratchet. The bolts you will need are 5/16X 1" course thread. You could use up to 2" easy. If you use 1 1/4 you can use lock washers on them also. The wife loves the steps as I have a 4" lift with 33"s on it. A lot easier to get into it. If you go to e-bay just type in Jeep frame inserts. Good luck with it.